Making a sequel to a previously successful film is a difficult and challenging task, particularly if audiences weren't craving for one. While the first Hitman's Bodyguard wasn't anything groundbreaking in terms of story, it provided audiences with a generic action-comedy plot that was made entertaining thanks to the charismatic performances of Samuel L. Jackson and Ryan Reynolds as its main leads. Both managed to coast that film through an overabundance of genre cliches with the same tactic being used here for its unnecessary follow-up, that manages to be just as over-the-top and ridiculous as its predecessor. Expanding on the originals star-power, the sequel brings back Salma Hayek with her carrying a more significant role this time around along with Antonio Banderas and Morgan Freeman joining the mix. The sequels notable additions to the cast barely rescue it from the same problems that plagued the original with the follow-ups plot once again feeling repetitive and paper-thin.
Picking up where the first movie left off, the plot for Hitman's Wife's Bodyguard centers around bodyguard Michael Bryce (Ryan Reynolds) struggling with being sidelined after the murder of a client. He tries to put it behind him by taking a vacation away from guns and guarding, though soon finds himself in the middle of an international battle for power which partners him once again with Darius, the hitman responsible for his client's murder and his wife Sonja (Samuel L. Jackson and Salma Hayek). In terms of both plot and style of humor, the sequel is nearly identical to the first film though not better. The biggest fault that it carries is relying too much on its A-list cast to make up for the rest of the script being an overall mess. The plot is recycled from other works within the genre with the filmmakers making zero attempts to add new twists and turns to it. While the original Bodyguard's plot was paper-thin, it had its main leads to help elevate its lackluster script while keeping the narrative focused. The story for the sequel finds itself in a similar struggle. Despite the filmmakers aiming to make lightning strike twice with the reteaming of Reynolds and Jackson, the sequel doesn't have any clear purpose for existing other than being used as a star-studded vehicle for its main cast with another poorly-written script.
What helps make the film to be somewhat watchable is the chemistry of its main cast with both Reynolds and Jackson still maintaining much of the spark that drew audiences to the first film. They remain as equally amusing here while utilizing the same brand of foul-mouthed jokes with Hayek's return giving her an upgrade in screentime, while adding to the fun with the three ultimately making for a terrific trio. Antonio Banderas is effective as shipping tycoon Aristotle Papadopoulos with the same being said for Morgan Freeman as Sr., Michael's stepfather and Papadopoulos' head of security. Other noteworthy performances include Frank Grillo as Bobby O' Neill, a Boston-based agent working with Interpol, and Richard E. Grant as old associate of Bryce and drug addict Mr. Seifert. As a whole, the acting by the main cast plays an integral part in keeping the film from being a complete waste of time with its main trio not only proving to be dynamic together, but make the bulk of their jokes land. Reynolds and Jackson make their team up work once again with Hayek seizing every opportunity given to be more than just a third wheel. Although the actors don't improve the movies script problems, their efforts greatly help in adding some energy and charm to the proceedings with it ultimately being appreciated.
Returning in the directors chair for the sequel is Patrick Hughes, who helmed the first film. While his work ranged on the level of being standard for a typical action-comedy, he managed to give the previous film some impressively well-shot action sequences including a slick motorcycle/boat chase in particular. Here, he manages to keep the same over-the-top style of the first while also taking full advantage of the films R-Rating. Like the original, the use of profanity is extreme with it being about as consistent as bullets flying (Many of it coming from Samuel L. Jackson's character). The sequel carries a high body count which consists of of constant gunfire, stabbings, graphic headshots, and physical fights. The pacing is brisk with the story being kept rapidly moving for its 100 minute running time. Like the original, Hughes treats this one as being strictly a shoot-them-up style action-comedy with the main trio doing most of the work while giving the film some decent action sequences. He doesn't do anything here that differentiates from the style he brought to the first film, and instead just gives audiences more of what they found appealing about it.
The script by Tom O' Connor, Brandon and Philip Murphy serves as being the root that all the films main issues are plagued from. The key element of the first films script that made it work despite being bland, was it kept the traditional banter and chemistry between the two main leads that usually elevates action buddy comedies. It was the pair being equal opposites with them being forced to work together that drew audiences to the first Hitman's Bodyguard. With the sequel, the plot feels a bit uneven with the adding of Darius wife into the mix, making it less about the rivalry/partnership between the two main characters but more about the Kincaid's teaming up against Bryce with the latter fragility being put on full display here. Although the new twist works in further establishing the Kincaid family, it takes away from what made the original film a hit. The story also isn't as focused and can be rather confusing to follow at times with Antonio Banderas character not being as intimidating of a villain as Gary Oldman's in the original. Reynolds character is treated more like a fragile child in this one with the revelation regarding his family tree being a hilariously random bit. The film constantly pokes fun at Michael's attempts to restore his mental health after being traumatized in his efforts to protect Kincaid. The character of Sonia presents herself as being just as profane and violent as the guys with her putting a modern feministic twist on the whole 1980's machoism vibe, which says men aren't supposed to cry and be vulnerable, but shoot things up with her character basically saying that women can too. The script for Hitman's Wife's Bodyguard aims to place its main characters in another explosively goofy outing, yet can't find a compelling enough reason to justify doing so with the plot here feeling too unbalanced and tired to take seriously.
Considering the effort that the filmmakers put in bringing Reynolds, Jackson, and Hayek back together for the sequel, one wishes that the same level of energy and devotion in doing so went into coming up with a more plausible premise rather than it feeling recycled from past films in the genre. Given the talent that's involved here, they deserve much better and should demand a stronger script if a third film is green-lighted. Much of the first films problems are still present, though Hughes attempts to mask them with the appeal of his main cast along along with providing impressive stunts, fast-paced action, and beautiful cinematography which draws the audience with its breathtaking European scenery as the main trio go on another mission together. Those who enjoyed the first Hitman's Bodyguard will find the sequel to be weaker in comparison to the original with audiences left pondering over the hilariously fun experience it could've been.
Final Verdict: Stream It
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